Summer Fun for Families in Mid & East Antrim

If you’re dreaming of a summer escape that blends the thrill of discovery with the comforts of home, Mid & East Antrim is your perfect destination. Here, the wild beauty of the coast meets rolling green countryside, and every day brings a new opportunity for families to explore, play, and reconnect. From golden beaches and enchanting forests to castles, trains, and hands-on history, this three-day itinerary is packed with experiences for kids of all ages-and plenty for grown-ups, too.

Day 1: Coastal Escapes & Light Keepers’ Charm

Stay:

Begin your family adventure just over half an hour from Belfast. Settle in at the Light Keepers Cottage, a truly unique family base perched right on the dramatic coastline at Blackhead Lighthouse. This beautifully restored cottage offers a blend of history and comfort, with bright, spacious rooms and panoramic sea views from almost every window. Wake to the sound of waves and seabirds, and enjoy a leisurely family breakfast as you watch ships pass along Belfast Lough. The adventure starts the moment you open the door.

Morning:

Just a short, scenic drive away (about 15 minutes), you’ll discover Brown’s Bay-a sweeping crescent of golden sand backed by grassy dunes and framed by rugged headlands. This is the kind of beach where imaginations run wild: kids can build towering sandcastles, hunt for shells and driftwood, or paddle in the gentle, shallow waters. There’s plenty of space for a family game of rounders or frisbee, and the wide-open skies are perfect for kite flying. Pack a picnic and settle in for a morning of sun, sea air, and simple pleasures.

Afternoon:

When you’re ready for a change of scene, take a 20-minute drive inland to Ballymena, a vibrant town with plenty for families to enjoy. People’s Park is a real gem: a sprawling green space with colourful playgrounds, duck ponds, and winding paths shaded by mature trees. Younger children will love the adventure play areas, while older kids can bring a football or try their hand at the outdoor gym equipment. If the weather isn’t on your side, Honeybees Soft Play in Ballymena is a fantastic indoor option, with climbing frames, slides, and ball pits that guarantee hours of fun. Parents can relax with a coffee and a treat while the kids burn off their energy.

Evening:

Return to your Light Keepers Cottage for a cosy family dinner. As the sun sets, take a stroll along the nearby coastal path, where the cliffs and lighthouse make for a dramatic backdrop. Watch the sky turn pink and gold, and listen to the distant call of seabirds. Sit on the lawn overlooking Belfast Lough and take in the vista - a perfect end to your first day.

Day 2: Steam Trains, Living History & Woodland Wanders

Morning:

After breakfast, set out for the Whitehead Railway Museum, about 5 minutes’ drive from your cottage. This award-winning museum is a must for families, offering a hands-on journey through the golden age of steam. Kids can clamber aboard lovingly restored locomotives, dress up in vintage railway uniforms, and try their hand at signalling and ticket stamping. The interactive exhibits bring railway history to life, and the knowledgeable volunteers are always happy to share stories and answer questions. Don’t miss the Cups & Carriages Café, where you can enjoy homemade scones and sandwiches in a charming setting overlooking the tracks.

Midday:

Next, travel 20 minutes north to the picturesque village of Cullybackey, home to Arthur Cottage-the ancestral home of US President Chester Alan Arthur. Step inside this traditional thatched cottage and be transported back in time. Friendly guides in period dress will show you how to bake soda bread over the open hearth, churn butter, and spin yarn. Kids can get hands-on with the baking, explore the cottage garden, and hear tales of life in rural Ireland. It’s a fascinating, interactive experience that brings history to life in a way the whole family will enjoy.

Afternoon:

Round off your day with a visit to Portglenone Forest, just 15 minutes from Cullybackey. This ancient woodland is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Wander along shady trails beneath towering oaks and beeches, discover secret clearings perfect for den-building, and keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting through the branches. The forest is alive with birdsong and wildflowers in summer, and there are plenty of picnic spots where you can refuel and soak up the peace and quiet. For energetic families, bring a football or frisbee, or simply let the kids lead the way on a nature treasure hunt.

Evening:

Return to your cottage for a well-earned rest. Purchase some fresh, local ingredients from the independant shops in Whitehead and Carrickfergus and prepare a delicious meal to eat while you admire the panoramic views from your table! Share stories and photos from your day, and perhaps plan your next adventure together over mugs of hot chocolate or a board game.

Day 3: Castles, Boats & Coastal Villages

Morning:

Begin your final day with a 30-minute drive along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route to Carrickfergus, a town steeped in history and crowned by its iconic castle. Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, and it’s a real highlight for families. Explore the mighty stone walls, climb the towers for panoramic views, and let your imagination run wild as you learn about knights, sieges, and ancient battles. The interactive exhibits, dress-up costumes, and sensory room make it accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Lunch:

Carrickfergus offers a range of family-friendly cafés and restaurants, or you can pick up supplies for a picnic to enjoy by the harbour, watching the boats come and go.

Afternoon:

Just over half an hour away along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route, you'll come to the idylic Glenarm village, home of Glenarm Castle Estate - a fantastic destination for families with children, offering a wide range of activities and experiences that appeal to all ages. At the heart of the estate is the stunning Walled Garden, one of Ireland’s oldest, where families can stroll among vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and beautifully landscaped paths. Kids will love exploring the woodland trails and Castle Trail, with plenty of space for picnics and play.

For younger adventurers, the Mini Land Rover Experience is a real highlight - children can take the wheel of pint-sized electric Land Rovers and navigate a specially designed off-road course, making for a thrilling and safe driving adventure (suitable for kids up to 10 years old and within height limits). 

History buffs can join a guided tour of the castle itself on selected dates, gaining a rare glimpse inside this 17th-century family home and learning about its fascinating past from knowledgeable staff. When it’s time to refuel, the Glenarm Castle Tea Room serves up delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches, and treats, while the Pizza Pavilion and ice cream parlour are sure to be a hit with children.

Families can also browse the on-site shops for unique gifts, crafts, and souvenirs, making your visit even more memorable. With regular family-friendly events, open spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere, Glenarm Castle Estate promises a fun-filled day out where children can explore, play, and let their imaginations run wild.

Evening:

Before returning to your accommodation, stop off at Ballygally Beach for an evening stroll along this walkable sandy bay. Get your feet wet and feel the sand between your toes! Then, it's back to your Light Keepers Cottage for one last evening by the sea. Take a final moment soaking up the view, breathing in the fresh salt air, or simply relax together and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on your adventures and start planning your next visit.

Travel Tips & Family Fun

• All travel times are under 30 minutes, making this itinerary easy to follow and stress-free for families with children.

• Each day is packed with a mix of outdoor adventures, hands-on history, and opportunities to relax and recharge.

• There’s something for everyone, from toddlers to teens-and plenty for adults to enjoy too.

• The Light Keepers Cottage offers a memorable base with all the comforts of home and a setting that’s sure to inspire.

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  Mid & East Antrim in summer is a playground for families seeking more than just a holiday-here, every day is a new adventure, and every moment is a memory in the making.